Substituted naphthalene diimides and their use

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to naphthalene diimides, NDIs, and methods of synthesising them. The NDIs have DNA-quadruplex binding and stabilising activity, and potential in treatment of pancreatic, prostate, and other human cancers. The NDIs are a compound of Formula I:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to naphthalene diimides, NDIs, and methods of synthesising them. The NDIs have DNA-quadruplex binding and stabilising activity, and potential in treatment of pancreatic, prostate, and other human cancers.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

In WO2009/068916 we described tri- and tetra-substituted naphthalene diimides and processes for producing them. None of the exemplified products that were tri-substituted had different amino-functional ligands at equational and polar positions on the core ligand. The method said to be suited for producing tri-substituted compounds was based on the following schematic:

where R¹ is optionally substituted alkyl or aryl and n is 0 or 1. In practice a mixture of the tetra- (n=1) and tri-substituted (n=0) compounds was produced. All substituents, i.e. R¹ groups, are the same.

The specification describes methods for producing tetra-substituted compounds starting from the dichlorosubstituted analogue of the dibromo compound used above. The processes proceeded in one step, in which case the same H₂NR¹ reagent reacted at both anhydride groups and both chlorine-substituted carbon to give 4 identical R¹ substituents on the product, or in two steps where in the first step a first reagent H₂NR² is reacted at both the anhydride groups and in a second step a second reagent H₂NR³ is reacted at both chlorine-substituted carbon atoms. Compounds with basic substituents on the imide substituent and/or on the aromatic rings have strong DNA quadruplex binding properties.

In WO2017/103587 we described tri-substituted naphthalene diimides and processes for producing them. The method said to be suited for producing tri-substituted compounds was based on the following schematic:

where Y is H or Br, the group R¹² are the same and are selected from the group consisting of straight and branched chain C₁₋₆ alkenediyl, R¹³ is selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl, R¹⁴ is selected from the group consisting of straight and branched chain C₁₋₆ alkanediyl and C₇₋₁₂ aralkanediyl, X² is selected from the group consisting of halo, R¹¹, NR¹⁸ ₂, CONR¹⁶ ₂, COOR¹⁷, SH and COR¹⁸, R¹¹ is selected from the group consisting of H, optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, optionally substituted C₆₋₇ cycloalkyl, C₆₋₇ heterocycloalkyl and aryl, each R¹⁵ is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl and C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl, N the groups R¹⁵ together with the N-atom to which they are attached form a saturated heterocyclic ring of 5-7 atoms, each R¹⁸ is selected from the group consisting of H and C₁₋₆ alkyl groups or the groups R¹⁶ together with the N atom to which they are attached form a 5-7 membered heterocyclic ring, R¹⁷ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl and aryl, R¹⁸ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted 0143 alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl and aryl, and whereby the Br atom or one of the or each Br atom is substituted by the nucleophilic amine nitrogen of the amine reagent to form the substituted NDI compound.

The tetra-substituted products, including products with groups R² different to groups R³, have been tested in WO2009/068916, US2014-0275065A and in Hampel S. M. et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. (2010) 20, 6459-6463, Micco. M., et al, J. Med. Chem. (2013) 56, 2959-2974, Collie, G. W., et al., J.A.C.S. (2012) 134, 2723-2731, Gunaratnam, M. et al., J. Med. Chem. (2009) 52, 3774-3783, Gunaratnam, M. et al., Bioorg. Med. Chem. (2011) 19, 7151-7157 and Mitchell, T. et al., Biochemistry (2013) 52, 1429-1436 for their binding properties to quadruplexes of telomeres and also those found in the promoter region of some genes. The data show the effective down-regulation of several proteins, the promoters of whose genes are targeted by the diimides, and hence result in growth inhibition of several cell-lines from a panel of cancer cell-lines. We have proposed in these publications to investigate further the impact of changing the nature of the substituent groups and the basicity of the tertiary amine groups in the cationic-substituents, on binding specificity and strength, and to investigate the potential of the compounds in cancer treatment, by testing models of cancers including pancreatic cancer.

In Scientific Reports (2015) 5:11385, Ohnmacht, S. A., et al., disclose the activity of 4,9-bis((3-(4-methylpiperazine-1-yl)-propyl)amino)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone, also known as MM41, in vivo in a mouse model of human pancreatic cancer.

Nadai, M., et al., in Int. J. Oncol. (2015) 46, 369-380, disclose a tri-substituted naphthalene diimide compound, having 2-dimethylamino ethyl groups substituted at each imido nitrogen atom and having, as the third substituent a 2-(4-hydroxy-3-dimethyl amino methyl phenyl)ethyl amino group substituted at the 4-position on the NDI core. It has activity stabilising the telomeric G-quadruplex (GQ), causing telomere dysfunction and telomerase down regulation. Global gene expression on a panel of cell lines showed modulation of genes implicated in telomere function and mechanisms of cancer. However the authors conclude that direct evidence for the biological relevance of G-4s in the cell context is still lacking (Marchetti et al, J Med Chem, 2018, 61(6), pp. 2500-2517).

The synthesis of the tri-substituted compound reported by Nadai et al. is disclosed in Doria et al, Org Biomol. Chem, (2012) 10, 2798-2806.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It has surprisingly been found by the inventors that a particular group of side-chains on a tetra-substituted naphthalene diimide compound results in improved binding of the diimide compound to GQ resulting in improved anti-cancer activity.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention there is provided a new compound of Formula I:

L is in the meta or para position of the phenyl ring and is selected from the group consisting of (C₁₋₁₂)₁₋₈ and (CH₂)₁₋₅NH;

R¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C₅₋₇cycloalkyl, optionally substituted nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl and NR₉R₁₀;

R² and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of straight and branched chain C₁₋₆-alkanediyl;

R³, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group consisting of H or C₁₋₆ alkyl;

X is selected from the group consisting of halo, OR⁵, NR⁸2, CONR⁷ ₂, COOR⁸, H and COR⁸;

R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₄₋₇ cycloalkyl, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl and aryl;

R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₈ alkyl, aryl and, C₇₋₁₂-aralkyl, or the groups R⁸ together with the N-atom to which they are attached form a N-containing, saturated 4-7 membered heterocyclic group; the groups R⁷ are each selected from H and C₁₋₈ alkyl groups or the groups R⁷ together with the N atom to which they are attached form a 4-7 membered heterocyclic group;

R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl, and aryl; and

salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.

The invention further provides the new compounds for use in a method of treatment of an animal to treat cancer or to inhibit the growth of a solid tumour, or to reduce the size of a solid tumour, for instance pancreatic and prostate tumours.

The invention also provides compositions containing the new compound and a diluent or carrier. The compositions are preferably pharmaceutical compositions and the carrier is then pharmaceutically acceptable.

In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for synthesising a substituted naphthalene diimide compound according to the first aspect of the invention, comprising the steps of:

i) reacting a compound of Formula IV in a nucleophilic substitution reaction with a compound of Formula V:

wherein at least one Br in the compound of Formula III is substituted by the nucleophilic amine nitrogen in the compound of Formula IV;

ii) reacting a compound of Formula V, obtainable from the product resulting from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of Formula III and Formula IV, with a compound of Formula VI:

wherein an aryl-aryl bond is formed between the phenyl of Formula VI and the phenyl with the Br attached in the compound of Formula V, wherein the LG and Br are leaving groups, to make the compound of Formula I; and preferably

iii) isolating the compound of Formula I from the product resulting from the reaction of Formula V and Formula VI;

wherein L, X and R¹ to R⁴ are as defined for Formula I of the first aspect of the invention.

FIGURES

FIG. 1 : Shows the tumour regression in a pancreatic cancer tumour in mice treated with a compound of the invention and comparative compounds.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

As used herein, “alkyl”, “cycloalkyl”, “heterocycloalkyl”, “heterocyclic”, “aryl”, and “aralkyl” groups may be monovalent or divalent unless otherwise specified.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified “aryl” means a monocyclic, bicyclic, or tricyclic monovalent or divalent (as appropriate) aromatic radical, such as phenyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthracenyl, which can be optionally substituted with up to three substituent.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified “optionally substituted” is with an of the substituents selected from the group of C₁-C₆ alkyl, hydroxy, C₁-C₃ hydroxyalkyl, C₁-C₃ alkoxy, C₁-C₃ haloalkoxy, amino, C₁-C₃ mono alkylamino, C₁-C₃ bis alkylamino, C₁-C₃ acylamino, C₁-C₃ aminoalkyl, mono (C₁-C₃ alkyl) amino C₁-C₃ alkyl, bis(C₁-C₃ alkyl) amino C₁-C₃ alkyl, C₁-C₃-acylamino, C₁-C₃ alkyl sulfonylamino, halo, nitro, cyano, trifluoromethyl, carboxy, C₁-C₃ alkoxycarbonyl, aminocarbonyl, mono C₁-C₃ alkyl aminocarbonyl, bis C₁-C₃ alkyl aminocarbonyl, —SO₃H, C₁-C₃ alkylsulfonyl, aminosulfonyl, mono C₁-C₃ alkyl aminosulfonyl and bis C₁-C₃-alkyl aminosulfonyl.

As used herein, unless otherwise specified “heterocycloalkyl” and “heterocyclic” groups are carbocyclic radicals containing up to 4 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur. They may be bicyclic or monocyclic. They are preferably saturated. If the heterocycle is a divalent linker, the heterocycle may be attached to neighbouring groups through a carbon atom, or through one of the heteroatoms, e.g. a N. Examples of heterocycles are pyrrolidine, piperazine, and morpholine.

Preferred Groups of the Invention

In the first aspect of the invention, L is preferably (CH₂)₁₋₆, preferably (CH₂)₁₋₄, more preferably (CH₂)₁₋₃, yet more preferably (CH₂)₁₋₂, even more preferably (CH₂). Preferably L is in the para position of the phenyl. When R¹ is the optionally substituted nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl or the NR₉R₁₀, it is preferable that R¹ is joined to L via the nitrogen atom of R¹.

It is envisaged that L or R¹ comprises a basic nitrogen atom. As such, R¹ may be any group that comprises a basic nitrogen atom. R¹ is preferably a nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl, preferably a nitrogen-containing 5-6 membered heterocycloalkyl, more preferably a nitrogen-containing 5 membered heterocycloalkyl. Preferably the nitrogen of the nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl is the only heteroatom in the heterocycloalkyl. In another aspect, the nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl comprises a second heteroatom, such as an oxygen atom.

Suitably the nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl is selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, azepanyl, diazepanyl, preferably pyrrolidinyl. Suitably L is (CH₂) and R¹ is pyrrolidinyl.

Suitably R¹ is NR₉R₁₀. R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group consisting of H or C₁₋₆ alkyl, preferably C₁₋₆ alkyl, more preferably C₂₋₄ alkyl, even more preferably C₂₋₃ alkyl. Suitably the NR₉R₁₀ is diethylamino, dipropylamino or ethyipropylamino.

In another embodiment, L comprises the basic nitrogen atom. Suitably L is (CH₂)₁₋₅NH, preferably (CH₂)₁₋₃NH, more preferably (CH₂)₁₋₂NH, even more preferably (CH₂)NH and R¹ is a C₅₋₇cycloalkyl, preferably a C₅cycloalkyl. Preferably L is in the para position of the phenyl.

Both R² groups in Formula I are the same as one another. R² is preferably straight chain C₂₋₄-alkanediyl, most preferably straight chain C₃-alkanediyl. R⁴ may or may not be the same as R², and is preferably straight or branched chain C₂₋₄-alkanediyl, most preferably C₂-alkanediyl.

X preferably comprises an amine group, i.e. X is preferably NR⁶ ₂ or CONR⁷ ₂, further preferably NR⁶ ₂. The groups R⁶ and R⁷ together with the N-atom to which they are attached preferably form a N-containing, saturated 4-7 membered heterocyclic group, further preferably a N-containing, saturated 5 membered heterocyclic group. Of such compounds, those where the two groups R⁶ are linked to form a heterocycle are preferred as they seem to have useful cytotoxic activity in cancer cell line tests. X is most preferably a saturated pyrrolidinyl group.

Preferably, Formula I has the following structure of Formula II

wherein L and R¹ are as defined for Formula I, with any of the preferred groups as outlined above.

Suitably the compound is selected from the group consisting of:

-   2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-44(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(4-(pyrrolidin     ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone, -   4-(4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin     yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(3-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-(4-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   4-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   4-(4-((cyclopentylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   4-(4-(azepan-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; -   4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone;     and

salts, hydrates and solvates thereof.

In the second aspect of the invention, L, X and R¹ to R⁴ for Formula IV to Formula VIII are preferably as defined as the preferred features above for L, X and R¹ to R⁴ of Formula I of the first aspect of the invention.

The method of the invention comprises a first step of reacting a brominated naphthalene diimide of Formula III with an amine reagent of Formula IV in an aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction whereby the bromine atom is replaced by an amino group N(R³)(R⁴X). The starting diimide is a dibromo compound, and the aromatic nucleophilic substitution reaction may result in both bromine atoms being replaced by an amine group or just one of them (i.e. a compound of Formula V), although it is preferred that just one of the bromines is replaced, and there must be at least one compound of Formula V produced. It is preferable to separate a mixture of both the singly and doubly substituted naphthalene diimide, for example by using column chromatography.

In a second step, the compound of Formula V produced in the first step is reacted with a reagent of Formula VI in a substitution reaction whereby the bromine atom is replaced by the phenyl in Formula VI via the carbon atom that the LG (leaving group) is attached to initially. In one aspect the LG may be a boronic acid group, however, the skilled person will appreciate there are multiple ways to undergo the substitution reaction and form the aryl-aryl bond between Formulas V and VI. As a result, at least one compound of Formula I is produced.

Preferably, in another step, the compound of Formula I is isolated by using column chromatography.

Preferably, the specific form of column chromatography used is selected from gel and flash column chromatography.

The compounds of the present invention may be provided in the form of pharmaceutically acceptable compositions. The compounds of the present invention, especially when presented in the form of acid addition salts, for instance where some or all of the basic amine groups are converted to salt form, are water soluble and have approximately neutral pH. As such these salts are suitable for administration in the form of aqueous solution, which would be appropriate for intravenous administration. The pharmaceutical aqueous solutions preferably comprise 1 to 500 mg/l, of the compound.

The compounds of the present invention may be provided in a form suitable to be made up into pharmaceutical compositions, for instance, in dried, rehydratable form, for instance with carrier or diluent. Such dried forms may be produced by crystallisation and/or evaporation. Alternatively, the compounds may be presented as concentrates, for instance in water or an organic, pharmaceutically acceptable, solvent for dilution before administration.

As used herein, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt is a salt with a pharmaceutically acceptable acid or base. Pharmaceutically acceptable acids include both inorganic acids such as hydrochloric, sulphuric, phosphoric, diphosphoric, hydrobromic or nitric acid and organic acids such as citric, fumaric, maleic, malic, ascorbic, succinic, tartaric, benzoic, acetic, methanesulfonic, ethanesulfonic, salicylic, stearic, benzenesulfonic or p-toluenesulfonic acid. Pharmaceutically acceptable bases include alkali metal (e.g. sodium or potassium) and alkali earth metal (e.g. calcium or magnesium) hydroxides and organic bases such as alkyl amines, aryl amines or heterocyclic amines.

For the avoidance of doubt, the present invention also embraces prodrugs which react in vivo to give a compound of the present invention.

Combinations according to the present invention may also be used in conjunction with other agents to inhibit undesirable and uncontrolled cell proliferation, for example antibodies. The compound may be conjugated to the antibody or administered as two separate components.

The compounds of the invention and compositions comprising them may be administered by any route. In one embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of the invention may be formulated in a format suitable for oral, rectal, parenteral, intranasal or transdermal administration or administration by inhalation or by suppository. Typical routes of administration are parenteral, intranasal or transdermal administration or administration by inhalation. For chemotherapy of tumours, the compositions are most conveniently administered intravenously.

When used as treatment for existing tumours, the compounds of the present invention may be administered using regimens developed for chemotherapeutic agents.

The compounds of the invention and compositions have utility in treating subjects who have cancer. One particular class of cancers are known as solid tumours, in which a solid mass of cancerous material can be identified. Another class comprises haematological cancers, known as cancers that affect the blood system.

Specific types of cancers that can be treated using the compounds and compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to prostate, pancreatic, small cell lung or gastro-intestinal. In a preferred embodiment, the cancer is prostate or pancreatic.

The compounds of the invention and compositions are useful in treatment to inhibit the growth of a solid tumour, or to reduce the size of a solid tumour, for example wherein the tumour is a pancreatic or prostate tumour.

The subject to be treated is suitably an animal, preferably a human.

As such, there is provided a method of treatment comprising administering to a subject a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the invention to treat cancer, particularly those already described above.

There is also provided a use of a compound or pharmaceutical composition of the invention in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of cancer, particularly those already described above.

The invention is further illustrated in the accompanying examples.

EXAMPLES

A series of tetrasubstituted naphthalene diimides have been synthesised and evaluated as G-quadruplex ligands, and as potential anti-cancer agents.

Chemistry

All chemicals, reagents, and solvents were purchased from commercial sources and used as received unless otherwise stated. Solvents were commercial HPLC grade unless dry solvent is specified, in which case the Aldrich ‘Sure Seal’ dry solvents were used. Column chromatography was performed on pre-packed silica (230-400 mesh, 40-63 μm) cartridges using the eluent indicated.

¹H NMR Spectra were acquired on a Bruker Avance III spectrometer at 400 MHz using residual undeuterated solvent as reference.

Analytical LCMS was carried out using either acidic or basic methods as follows: Acidic, HPLC: Waters X-Select CSH C18, 2.5 μm, 4.6×30 mm column eluting with a gradient of 0.1% Formic acid in MeCN in 0.1% Formic acid in water. The gradient from 5-95% 0.1% Formic acid in MeCN occurs between 0.00-3.00 minutes at 2.5 ml/min with a flush from 3.01-3.5 minutes at 4.5 ml/min. A column re-equilibration to 5% MeCN is from 3.60-4.00 minutes at 2.5 ml/min. UV spectra of the eluted peaks were measured using an Agilent 1260 Infinity or Agilent 1200 VWD at 254 nm. Mass spectra were measured using an Agilent 6120 or Agilent 1956 MSD running with positive/negative switching or an Agilent 6100 MSD running in either positive or negative mode. Basic, HPLC: Waters X-Select BEH C18, 2.5 μm, 4.6×30 mm column eluting with a gradient of MeCN in aqueous 10 mM ammonium bicarbonate. The gradient from 5-95% MeCN occurs between 0.00-3.00 minutes at 2.5 ml/min with a flush from 3.01-3.5 minutes at 4.5 ml/min. A column re-equilibration to 5% MeCN is from 3.60-4.00 minutes at 2.5 ml/min. UV spectra of the eluted peaks were measured using an Agilent 1260 Infinity or Agilent 1200 VWD at 254 nm. Mass spectra were measured using an Agilent 6120 or Agilent 1956 MSD running with positive/negative switching or an Agilent 6100 MSD running in either positive or negative mode. Alternatively analytical UPLC/MS was carried out using either acidic or basic methods as follows: Acidic, UPLC: Waters Acquity CSH C18, 1.7 μm, 2.1×30 mm column eluting with a gradient of 0.1% Formic acid in MeCN in 0.1% Formic acid in water. The gradient is structured with a starting point of 5% MeCN held from 0.0-0.11 minutes. The gradient from 5-95% occurs between 0.11-2.15 minutes with a flush from 2.15-2.56 minutes. A column re-equilibration to 5% MeCN is from 2.56-2.83 minutes. UV spectra of the eluted peaks were measured using an Acquity PDA and mass spectra were recorded using an Acquity QDa detector with ESI pos/neg switching. Basic UPLC: Waters Acquity BEH C18, 1.7 μm, 2.1×30 mm column eluting with a gradient of MeCN in aqueous 10 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate. The gradient is structured with a starting point of 5% MeCN held from 0.0-0.11 minutes. The gradient from 5-95% occurs between 0.11-2.15 minutes with a flush from 2.15-2.56 minutes. A column re-equilibration to 5% MeCN is from 2.56-2.83 minutes. UV spectra of the eluted peaks were measured using an Acquity PDA and mass spectra were recorded using an Acquity QDa detector with ESI pos/neg switching. Preparative HPLC was carried out using a Waters Xselect CSH C18, 5 μm, 19×50 mm column using either a gradient of either 0.1% Formic Acid in MeCN in 0.1% aqueous Formic Acid or a gradient of MeCN in aqueous 10 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate; or a Waters Xbridge BEH C18, 5 μm, 19×50 mm column using a gradient MeCN in aqueous 10 mM Ammonium Bicarbonate. Fractions were collected following detection by UV at a single wavelength measured by a variable wavelength detector on a Gilson 215 preparative HPLC or Varian PrepStar preparative HPLC; by mass and UV at a single wavelength measured by a ZQ single quadrupole mass spectrometer, with positive and negative ion electrospray, and a dual wavelength detector on a Waters FractionLynx LCMS.

Example 1: 2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(4-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3.8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthr oline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (100 mg, 0.141 mmol), (3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)boronic acid (77 mg, 0.422 mmol) or 1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)pyrrolidine (121 mg, 0.422 mmol) and Pd(Ph3P)4 (8.12 mg, 7.03 μmol) were dissoved in THF/2M K₂CO₃ (3:1, 2 mL) and degassed, backfilling with nitrogen three times. The mixture was heated (70° C. block temperature) with stirring for 3 h. The reaction was cooled, diluted with DCM (15 mL), washed with water (15 mL), passed through a hydrophobic frit and concentrated in vacuo. The crude product was purified by preparative HPLC, Basic, 20-50 MeCN in Water to afford the title compound (7.1 mg, 8.34 μmol, 6% yield) as a dark red solid.

1H NMR (400 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 10.24 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 8.48 (s, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.52 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.38-7.29 (m, 2H), 4.34-4.25 (m, 2H), 4.21-4.07 (m, 2H), 3.87 (s, 2H), 3.75 (q, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (dt, J=16.8, 4.7 Hz, 8H), 2.95 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 2H), 2.78 (s, 4H), 2.71-2.64 (m, 4H), 2.53 (t, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 2.50-2.35 (m, 10H), 2.02-1.78 (m, 12H). 1H NMR in CDCl3 1863-70-prep2 was consistent with product structure at 93% purity. LCMS, Basic, 1863-70B-prep, m/z 792.4 [M+H]+ at 4 min, 96% purity @ 254 nm. Contains 4% CMO3 by LC @ 254 nm.

Example 2: 4-(4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (202 mg, 0.284 mmol) and (4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl)boronic acid (188 mg, 0.852 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (568 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 1.135 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (6.64 mg, 8.52 μmol) was added and the mixture again de-gassed then the whole heated to 80° C. (block temp, pre-heated). After 18 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g Buchi FlashPure, pre-adsorbed, 10-70% [9:1 (1:1 THF:DCM): 7 M NH₃ in MeOH] in (1:1 THF:DCM)) gave two cuts of moderately pure product. The centre of the product band was evaporated and taken up in MeCN (2 mL). After ˜48 hr, this was filtered and the solid discarded. Meanwhile, material from the edge of the product band was evaporated and re-slurried from iso-hexanes. This material was combined with the MeCN liquors from the above batch and the resultant purified by column chromatography (12 g RediSep Gold, 30-70% (9:1 DCM: 0.7 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM). The central cut of this band was evaporated to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (50 mg, 22%).

LCMS: Found m/z 808.3 (C₄₅H₅₈N₇O₇ (MH⁺) requires 808.4) @ 6.68 min.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 10.24 (t, J=5.3 Hz, 1H), 8.50 (s, 1H), 8.33 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.32 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.30 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.15 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 3.83-3.71 (m, 6H), 3.65-3.59 (m, 10H), 2.95 (t, J=6.4 Hz, 2H), 2.70-2.67 (m, 4H), 2.58-2.50 (m, 6H), 2.47-2.40 (m, 10H), 1.96 (app p, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.90-1.84 (m, 6H).

Example 3: 2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(3-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthro line-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (149 mg, 0.209 mmol) and 1-(3-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)pyrrolidine (180 mg, 0.628 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (419 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 0.837 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (4.90 mg, 6.28 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g RediSep Gold, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 0.7 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water), loading in DMSO) to afford product in better but still unsatisfactory purity. The residue was re-purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (16 mg, 10%).

LCMS: Found m/z 792.4: (C₄₅H₅₈N₇O₆ (MH⁺) requires 792.4) @ 6.42 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.26 (t, J=5.5 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.35 (s, 1H), 7.47-7.37 (m, 2H), 7.35 (br s, 1H), 7.26 (dt, J=7.2, 1.7 Hz, 1H), 4.30 (t, J=7.4, 2H), 4.13 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 3.82-3.65 (m, 4H), 3.52-3.58 (m, 8H), 2.95 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.69-2.66 (m, 4H), 2.61-2.30 (m, 16H), 1.93 (p, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.89-1.75 (m, 10H).

Example 4: 2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-(4-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (155 mg, 0.218 mmol) and 1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)piperidine (197 mg, 0.653 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (436 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 0.871 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (5.10 mg, 6.53 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g RediSep Gold, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 0.7 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (61 mg, 35%).

LCMS: Found m/z 806.3: (C₄₈H₆₀N₇O₆ (MH⁺) requires 805.5) @ 7.38 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.25 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.29 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (q, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.64-3.50 (m, 10H), 2.95 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.69-2.66 (m, 4H), 2.56-2.29 (m, 16H), 1.93 (p, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.89-1.82 (m, 6H), 1.68-1.62 (m, 4H), 1.53-1.49 (m, 2H).

Example 5: 4-(4-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl) ((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (155 mg, 0.218 mmol) and N-ethyl-N-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)ethanamine (189 mg, 0.653 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (436 N_(L) of a 2 M aq solution, 0.871 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (5.10 mg, 6.53 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g BuchiFlashPure, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 1.4 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (81 mg, 47%).

LCMS: Found m/z 794.2: (C₄₅H₆₀N₇O₈ (MH⁺) requires 794.5) @ 6.93 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.24 (t, J=5.2 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.32 (s, 1H), 7.46 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.0 Hz, 2H), 4.28 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.13 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 3.79-3.71 (m, 2H), 3.69 (s, 2H), 3.58-3.53 (m, 8H), 2.94 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.69-2.66 (m, 4H), 2.61 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 4H), 2.50 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 21-1), 2.47-2.30 (m, 10H), 1.93 (p, J=6.9 Hz, 2H), 1.88-1.82 (m, 6H), 1.12 (t, J=7.1 Hz, 6H).

Example 6: 4-(4-((cyclopentylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (153 mg, 0.215 mmol) and N-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)cyclopentanamine (194 mg, 0.645 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (430 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 0.860 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (5.03 mg, 6.45 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g BuchiFlashPure, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 1.4 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (29 mg, 17%).

LCMS: Found m/z 806.4: (C₄₈H₆₀N₇O₈ (MH⁺) requires 805.5) @ 6.57 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.25 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.45 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=7.9 Hz, 2H), 4.29 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 4.13 (t, J=7.4, Hz, 2H), 3.88 (s, 2H), 3.75 (q, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.58-3.53 (m, 8H), 3.23 (p, J=6.4 Hz, 1H), 2.95 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.69-2.66 (m, 4H), 2.50 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.47-2.30 (m, 10H), 1.96-1.89 (m, 4H), 1.88-1.80 (m, 6H), 1.79-1.72 (m, 2H), 1.65-1.58 (m, 2H), 1.51-1.42 (m, 2H), CH₂NHCH not observed.

Example 7: 4-(4-(azepan-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (223 mg, 0.313 mmol) and 1-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)azepane (296 mg, 0.940 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (627 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 1.253 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (7.33 mg, 9.40 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g Buchi FlashPure, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 1.4 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (130 mg, 51%).

LCMS: Found m/z 820.3: (C₄₇H₆₂N₇O₈ (MH⁺) requires 820.5) @ 7.69 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.25 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.47 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.47 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=7.8 Hz, 2H), 4.29 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.14 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.82-3.70 (m, 4H), 3.57-3.53 (m, 8H), 2.95 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.78-2.61 (m, 8H), 2.50 (t, J=6.8 Hz, 2H), 2.47-2.30 (m, 10H), 1.93 (p, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 1.88-1.82 (m, 6H), 1.73-1.68 (m, 8H).

Example 8: 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidinyl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone

A stirred mixture of 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone (213 mg, 0.299 mmol) and 1-methyl-4-(4-(4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolan-2-yl)benzyl)piperazine (284 mg, 0.898 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was treated with potassium carbonate (599 μL of a 2 M aq solution, 1.197 mmol) and de-gassed. S-Phos Pd G3 (7.01 mg, 8.98 μmol) was charged, the mixture again de-gassed and the whole heated to 80° C. After 16 hr, the mixture was allowed to cool then diluted with water (10 mL) and sat aq NaHCO₃ (10 mL) and extracted with DCM (2×20 mL). The combined organics were dried over Na₂SO₄ and evaporated. Column chromatography (12 g BuchiFlashPure, 30-60% (9:1 DCM: 3.5 M NH₃ in MeOH) in DCM, loading in DCM) gave product in moderate purity. The residue was purified by reverse phase column chromatography (12 g Reveleris C-18, 75-100% (70 mM NH₃ in MeOH) in water, loading in DMSO) to afford the product as a bright red glassy solid (111 mg, 45%).

LCMS: Found m/z 821.2: (C₄₈H₆₁N₈O₈ (MH⁺) requires 821.5) @ 6.06 min. ¹H NMR (500 MHz, Methylene Chloride-d₂) δ 10.25 (t, J=5.1 Hz, 1H), 8.46 (s, 1H), 8.34 (s, 1H), 7.43 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 7.33 (d, J=8.1 Hz, 2H), 4.29 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 2H), 4.13 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 2H), 3.75 (q, J=5.9 Hz, 2H), 3.62 (s, 2H), 3.57-3.53 (m, 8H), 2.95 (t, J=6.2 Hz, 2H), 2.77-2.20 (m, 27H), 1.94 (q, J=7.1 Hz, 2H), 1.89-1.80 (m, 6H).

Biophysical and Cell Biology Data Cell Proliferation Assay

The CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (Invitrogen) is a colorimetric method for determining the number of viable cells in proliferation or cytotoxicity assays. The CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Reagent contains a novel tetrazolium compound [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt; MIS] and an electron coupling reagent (phenazine ethosulfate; PES). PES has enhanced chemical stability, which allows it to be combined with MTS to form a stable solution. The MTS tetrazolium compound (Owen's reagent) is bioreduced by cells into a colored formazan product that is soluble in tissue culture medium. Assays are performed by adding a small amount of the CellTiter 96® AQueous One Solution Reagent directly to culture wells, incubating for 1-4 hours and then recording the absorbance at 490 nm with a 96-well plate reader. The quantity of formazan product as measured by absorbance at 490 nm is directly proportional to the number of living cells in culture. The kit was used as per the manufacturers' instructions. After 96-hour incubation with each example compound in MIA-PACA2 cells, the cell proliferation of each sample was measured using the MTS Cell Titre 96 Aqueous One Solution Cell Proliferation Assay (Promega Ltd). The percentage of inhibition was calculated against the mean of the DMSO treated controls samples.

TABLE 1 Cell growth inhibition data for pancreatic cancer cell line panel for Examples 1 to 8; IC₅₀ (nM) values from 96 hr MTS assays. The data shows that Examples 1 to 8 show varying ability to inhibit cancer cell growth. In particular example compound 1 is the most active in the group. Example compound Rel IC₅₀ ABS IC₅₀ 1 0.035 0.056 2 0.188 0.292 3 0.282 0.284 4 0.132 0.175 5 0.239 0.180 6 0.099 0.102 7 0.117 0.182 8 0.174 0.277

In Vivo Xenograft Efficacy Studies

Mice aged 5-7 weeks weighing approximately 25-32 g were implanted for the study and purchased from Charles River. The pancreatic tumour cell implantation procedure involved MIA-PACA2 cells (1×10⁷ in Matrigel) being implanted subcutaneously using a 22-gauge needle onto the rear flank of the mice. Parameters evaluated include: tumour size and animal bodyweight. Tumour volume was measured three times weekly and bodyweight at least 3 times weekly. Allocation to treatment groups was done randomly when tumours reached approximately 50 mm³ for animals in the efficacy study. Animals (female athymic nude mice bearing MIA-PACA2 tumours) were IV dosed for 28 days, twice weekly, at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg for C1, and at doses of 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg for Example 1, on account of its 10-fold greater cellular potency. Each group comprised 8 animals. All protocols used in this study were approved by the appropriate Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Board, and all procedures were carried out under the guidelines of the UK Animal (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986. Results are shown in the tables below and FIG. 1 .

TABLE 2 Basic properties and in vitro GQ binding data of Example 1 compared with prior art compound C1 (with reference to WO2017/103587A1) Example 1 C1 Mol wt 791.99 632.33 clogP 5.65 3.72 Fluorescence excitation 510, 612 (em) 510, 590 (em) and emission max, in nm 510 (ex) 510 (ex) Formulation of free base, Acidified Acidified for cellular and in vivo phosphate-buffered phosphate-buffered studies, up to MTD saline (PBS) saline (PBS) Salt and aqueous Not made HCl/formate solubility salt: >5 mg/ml Stability in saline at 0° C. >1 month >1 month t_(1/2) mouse microsomal 268 >480 stability, min Plasma protein binding % 66.1 35 in vitro In vitro blood/plasma 6.1 10.9 partitioning FRET ΔT_(m), ° C. with GQ 23.1 17.6

TABLE 3 Cell growth inhibition data for pancreatic cancer cell line panel for Example 1 compared with prior art compound C1 (with reference to WO2017/103587A1); IC₅₀ (nM) values from 96 hr SRB assays, as detailed in our previous publications and disclosures. The data shows that Example 1 is a significantly more potent compound in terms of its ability to inhibit cancer cell growth, and that its pharmacological properties are at least comparable. Example 1 C1 MIA-PACA2 1.3 13.0 PANC-1 1.4 15.6 CAPAN-1 5.9 26.5 Bx-PC3 2.6 15.5 MIA-PACA2^(gemR) 3.8 14.9 The graph in FIG. 1 shows the Xenograft data in the MIA-PACA2 model, after 28 days IV administration, followed by 28 days measurement (performed by AXIS BioServices). The data shown is mean±SD n=8 up to day 23 and n=4 to the end of the study. The data shows that the compound of Example 1 inhibited the growth of the pancreatic tumour and reduced the tumour's size considerably more than the comparative compound C1 or the known anti-cancer drug, Gemcitabine, did, even at a once-weekly dosing regimen. Furthermore, Example 1 and the dosing schedules were well-tolerated showing no sign of adverse effects. The starting tumour volumes were 0.4 mm³. Example 1 was active in both of the dosage regimens examined, 1× weekly and 2× weekly, both at a 1 mg/kg dose. Both had ⅝ complete regression in tumour volume at the end of the dosing period. In the complete regression cohorts, tumours have completely disappeared and no regrowth seen after 28 days post-dosing. A minority of tumours in the C1 and Example 1 groups do not show complete regression, but do show reductions in tumour growth, leading to consistently smaller volumes than in the vehicle control groups.

XTT Assay

The CyQUANT XTT Cell Viability Assay (Invitrogen) is a complete, optimized assay that generates a consistent colorimetric detection of viable mammalian cells. The assay kit consists of two reagents, XTT Reagent (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and Electron Coupling Reagent. XTT Reagent is used to assess cell viability as a function of cellular redox potential, and the electron coupling reagent improves the dynamic range of the assay. The kit was used as per the manufacturers' instructions.

TABLE 4 Cell growth inhibition data for prostate cancer cell line panel for Example 1 compared with prior art compound C1 (with reference to WO2017/103587A1), and clinically-approved hormonal prostate cancer therapeutic agents Abiraterone and Enzalutamide; IC50 (nM) values from 72 hr XTT assays. The data shows that the compound of example 1, is highly active in a panel of prostate cancer cell lines, notably in the metastatic and androgen-independent PC-3 line, when compared to the C1 and even more so when compared to the two clinically used drugs. Example 1 C1 Abiraterone Enzalutamide PC-3 3 94 4820 5350 DU145 32 113 N/A N/A LNCaP 247 394 3860 4820 VCaP 68 135 N/A N/A 22RV1 90 90 N/A N/A In summary, the compounds of the invention show anti-tumour activity in a number of cancer cell lines. 

1. A method of treating cancer, inhibiting growth of a solid tumour, or reducing size of a solid tumour, comprising administer a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a compound of Formula I, salts, hydrates or solvates thereof, wherein the compound of Formula I has the following structure:

L is in the meta or para position of the phenyl ring and is selected from the group consisting of (CH₂)₁₋₆ and (CH₂)₁₋₅NH; R¹ is selected from the group consisting of optionally substituted C₅₋₇cycloalkyl, optionally substituted nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl and NR⁹R¹⁰; R² and R⁴ are independently selected from the group consisting of straight and branched chain C₁₋₆-alkanediyl; R³, R⁹ and R¹⁰ are independently selected from the group consisting of H or C₁₋₆ alkyl; X is selected from the group consisting of halo, OR⁵, NR⁶ ₂, CONR⁷2, COOR⁸, H and COR⁸; R⁵ is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₄₋₇ cycloalkyl, 4-7 membered heterocycloalkyl and aryl; R⁶ is selected from the group consisting of H, C₁₋₆ alkyl, aryl and, C₇₋₁₂-aralkyl, or the groups R⁶ together with the N-atom to which they are attached form a N-containing, saturated 4-7 membered heterocyclic group; the groups R⁷ are each selected from H and C₁₋₆ alkyl groups or the groups R⁷ together with the N atom to which they are attached form a 4-7 membered heterocyclic group; and R⁸ is selected from the group consisting of C₁₋₆ alkyl, C₇₋₁₂ aralkyl, and aryl.
 2. The compound method according to claim 1, wherein L is (CH₂)₁₋₆.
 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is a nitrogen-containing 5-7 membered heterocycloalkyl optionally selected from the group consisting of pyrrolidinyl, imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, piperidinyl, piperazinyl, morpholinyl, azepanyl, and diazepanyl.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein L is (CH₂)₁₋₆NH and R¹ is a C₆₋₇cycloalkyl.
 5. The method according to claim 1, wherein L is in the para position.
 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein R² is a straight chain C₂₋₄ alkanediyl.
 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein R³ is H.
 8. The method according to claim 1, wherein R⁴ is a straight or branched chain C₂₋₄ alkanediyl.
 9. The method according to claim 8, wherein R⁴ is a straight chain C₂₋₄ alkanediyl.
 10. The method of any claim 1, wherein X is NR⁶ ₂.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the R⁶ groups together with the nitrogen atom to which they are attached form a heterocyclic group selected from the group consisting of 4-methyl piperazine-1-yl, morpholine-4-yl, pyrrolidin-1-yl, pyridin-2-yl and piperidin-1-yl.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the compound is selected from the group consisting of: 2,7-bis(3-nnorpholinopropyl)-4-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(4-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 4-(4-(morpholinomethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-44(2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)-9-(3-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-4-(4-(piperidin-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 4-(4-((diethylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 4-(4-((cyclopentylamino)methyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; 4-(4-(azepan-1-ylmethyl)phenyl)-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone; and 4-bromo-2,7-bis(3-morpholinopropyl)-9-((2-(pyrrolidin yl)ethyl)amino)benzo[lmn][3,8]phenanthroline-1,3,6,8(2H,7H)-tetraone.
 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein Formula I has the following structure of Formula II:


14. The method according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable diluent or carrier. 15-17. (canceled)
 18. The method according to claim 1, wherein L is (CH₂)₁₋₂.
 19. The method according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is pyrrolidinyl.
 20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the heterocyclic group is pyrroliin-1-yl.
 21. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is a method of treating cancer.
 22. The method according to claim 1, further comprising administer a therapeutically effective amount of another agent to inhibit undesirable and uncontrolled cell proliferation.
 23. The method according to claim 21, wherein treating cancer is treating prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer. 